Sunday Morning Links

Assorted content for your Sunday reading.

- It's bad enough that what's passing for climate change discussion is an agreement to keep meeting for years on end that doesn't really advance matters any from the early '90s.

- But lest there be any doubt, the Cons aren't quite happy enough with the results of their obstructionism to be willing to live up to even the deal they describe as "fair and balanced":

"Canada has been clear that we would not undertake a second Kyoto commitment period. Nor will we devote scarce dollars to capitalize the new Green Climate Fund - part of the Durban agreement - until all major emitters accept legally binding reduction targets and transparent accounting of greenhouse gas inventory.

Anybody who can see the slightest difference between that direct statement that the Cons will ignore the Durban agreement and the Libs' lack of interest in living up to Kyoto from day one is invited to start spinning now.

- NPR tests whether anybody within the Republicans' much-touted group of "millionaire job creators" is willing to go on record saying that their taxes shouldn't be raised. And not surprisingly, nobody seems to want to take up the offer - while at least a few are entirely happy to pitch in a fairer share.

- Meanwhile, Eric Reguly highlights how Europe's embrace of gratuitous austerity is only making matters worse.

- Finally, Martin Regg Cohn has some valuable advice for Dalton McGuinty - which could well do wonders on the economic front as well as the political one:

The NDP’s suggestion: rather than give corporations a blank cheque, let’s reward them with specific tax credits for creating jobs. Boss, you were just saying the other day that setting targets is the best way to get results, so this is right down your alley.

You’re always saying, “there’s never a wrong time to do the right thing.” This is the right time to recalibrate, because we’re hemorrhaging revenues with the depressed economic outlook. And we can truthfully tell business they’re still getting a good deal: “You have to talk about the entire bargain you’re getting.”

This is about fairness and optics, tactics and timing. And surviving. Enjoy the holiday, it won’t last long.